"La Ville-Lumière"

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On my way home from Jerusalem last night, I was happy to see the new fountain all lit up.

And across the street, the 1926 Terra Santa College Building, after its recent renovation by the Franciscans, was also warmly illuminated.

This small square is squished between many intersecting busy streets.

Because of its exposure to passing traffic it is often a venue for political demonstrations.

The rock says "Kikar Tsarfat" in Hebrew and "Place de France" in French, but it is also known as Paris Square.

The story goes like this, quoting the fun guide book Jerusalem--Step by Step by Batya and Avigdor Kornboim:

"The mayor of Paris visited Jerusalem in 2006 and announced that he would donate an 82-foot (25 meters) model of the Eiffel Tower to be displayed at the site in honor of the 40th anniversary of the city's liberation. The city declined the phallic monument, and a replica of a famous fountain was promised instead."

So on June 1, 2008 a more modest 13-foot (4 meters) was dedicated by Mayor Bertrand Delanoë, this time in honor of the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel.

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But what I really wanted to show you is the temporary big Chanukah menorah put up in Paris Square by Chabad! (They have many all around the city.)

Chanukah comes early this year. On Friday afternoon the first of eight lights will be lit and the 8-day holiday will begin.

Then both Paris, "La Ville-Lumière," AND Jerusalem can be called the City of Lights.

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